Atlanta Public Schools last week announced it informed seven principals they would not be serving as their schools’ principals beginning with the 2014-15 academic year.

In a statement posted to its Talk Up APS blog on its website last week, the district addressed the issue.

“Atlanta Public Schools is appreciative of the leadership demonstrated by all of our principals, particularly those who have served the district for many years,” it said. “Like all school districts, APS conducts an annual assessment of where we are as a system, as well as a review of any revisions to state law. Necessary changes are made to ensure the district remains in compliance and that all of our students are prepared for the next level and long-term success. This process includes an intense and methodical performance review of all of our schools and their leadership teams.

“The decision to seek new school leadership is never an easy one. Recently, some of our school leaders were informed that they would not serve in the role of principal next school year. Our personnel changes have been contemplated over long periods of time – some a year or more, and we believe these decisions are in the best interest of all of the schools that will be impacted. Notifying principals of changes prior to the end of the school year provides time for them to make career decisions. Early notification also allows the district to attract and recruit highly-qualified applicants during the peak hiring season, which gives the district, students and parents the opportunity to provide valuable input as we select stellar new principal leaders.”

The statement also said “the decision to make changes at the respective schools was thoroughly vetted by” Superintendent Erroll Davis.

Kimberly Willis Green, a district spokeswoman, said Monday she did not have the list of the seven principals being removed from their schools and added the reason for their departures cannot be given because it is a personnel matter. The Neighbor has filed a Georgia Open Records Act request to get the list of principals.

Karen Evans, principal of Morris Brandon Elementary School in Buckhead, reportedly is one of the seven principals being removed. According to a school receptionist, Evans was out of town Monday. She did not immediately return email and phone messages.

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